James G. (Jimmy) Truax
July 3, 1948 ~ August 2, 2005
James G. “Jimmy” Truax, 57, of Weirton, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at the Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born July 3, 1948 in Steubenville, he was the son of Janet Dettore Truax of Weirton and the late Walter Truax, Jr. James was also preceded in death by his brother Robert Truax.
After 35 years of service, James retired from Weirton Steel where he worked as a fuel man in the Tin Mill Department. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and the Evert Maki American Legion Post 10. For nine years, he served as Weir High girl’s soccer coach. For two consecutive years, 2002 and 2003, he was honored as OVAC Coach of the Year. He was currently serving on the Supervisory Committee for the Steel Works Community Federal Credit Union. He also served as a Staff Sergeant during the Vietnam War in the 101st Infantry of the US Army where he received 3 Bronze Stars.
James’s survivors include his wife Carmen Scott Truax of Weirton; daughters Allison and Jaime Truax both of Weirton; brothers Kenneth Truax and his wife Karen of Weirton and Randy Truax and his wife Teresa of Wintersville; sister Pamela Zgurski and her husband Stanley of Weirton; nieces Nicole Cross, Amanda Ludewig, Tara Zgurski and nephew Stanley Zachery Zgurski.
Friends will be received 7-9PM Wednesday and 2-4 and 7-9PM Thursday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Additional visitation will be held Friday from 10AM until the 11AM funeral services at the First Church of the Nazarene, 475 Colliers Way, Weirton. Military graveside services will be conducted at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Please consider a contribution in memory of James to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 51 Locust Avenue, Suite 201, New Canaan, CT 06840.
Share tributes with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
Funeral Home:
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV
US 26062
Dear Carmen,Allison,Jaime,Ginger,Kenny Wayne & Karen, Pam & Stush,Randy & Terry,Big Jim & Sandy, Tom & June and all the kids……. I share with you,the deep sorrow in the loss of “little Jim”. He was and will always be, my friend.You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy,love and prayers. He has touched so many lives for the better. We will all miss him. Love, Joseph Ricciardi and Family
Every once in a while, a person comes along who enriches your life just knowing him. Jim Truax was one of those people. He made everyone smile, he was everyones hero. Just knowing Jim made my life better. He will be sadly missed by everyone whos life he touched.
Dear Carmen and Daughters, You have our heartfelt sympathy at this time. Jimmy was a special man, he touched many hearts, and he was loved by everyone who knew him. His smile always lit up the room. His passing is a great loss, he will be missed by many. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, The Tonacchio’s
Carmen, Jaime, Allison, You have our deepest sympathy and we are very sad. Jim was very caring and thoughtful to the Lady Riders’ soccer team!! I’m sure his thoughtfulness comes from raising Allison and Jaime. My girls were on his “first” and “last” team… with Natalie being on his first team as a Freshman in 1996 and Stephanie on his last team as a Senior in 2004. Even though Jimmy was not the official coach the last few years, we all knew his “heart” was with the team! Jimmy would go out of his way to make the girls feel special..When a girl on the team was on Homecoming court, you could count on Jimmy at your door with a Red Rose. He will be missed and please know a lot of people and kids have fond memories of Jimmy/your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ernie, Ro, Natalie and Stephanie Foster
Carmen, Jaime, Allison, I am truly sorry that I cannot be in town this week due to situations at work. My prayers are with your family during this time. Jimmy was a wonderful man and coach – thoughtful, supportive, and loving. I feel honored to have played Lady Rider soccer for him for 4 years – he taught me so much about life on and off the field. He always had faith in me, whether it was in goal or in school. He genuinely cared for people, and he is a great role model for us all. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you – he is loved and will be missed.
Dear Carmen, Jamie, Allison, Ginger, Pam, Kenny Wayne, Randy and all the nieces and nephews; Growing up with the Truax family was a spirit within itself but “Little Jim” as we all knew him had his own special kind of kindred spirit. Little Jim always had a way of making you smile and had a true love of his family and life. The one memory that has always stayed with me is how Little Jim treated my father, he called him “Esquire” and this always made his day. We all really loved him. I know her will be truely missed. Our blessings and thoughts are with all of you, Love Mary and John Genung and family
Carmen, Jaime, and Allison – I am very sorry to hear of your loss. James was a wonderful man and touched many lives. You will be in my prayers. Jennifer (Bonnaure) Wood
Carmen, Jaime, and Allison, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Coach Truax was a wonderful coach, person, and friend. It was a privilege to be able to play for him for 4 great years (1999-2002). I learned so much from him on and off the field for his enthusiasm for the game and life was so inspiring to see. He always knew how to make his Lady Riders feel special and he was always supportive of us. Some of my most memorable high school moments come from my time as a Lady Rider soccer player and Jimmy was involved in so many of them. I will always remember his infamous “WEIR” speech he gave to us each year, and how I could always hear his words of encouragement anywhere on the field. He will truly be missed. Jimmy was definitely the OVAC Coach of the Year for 2002 and 2003, but he will be the Coach of my Heart forever. With my deepest sympathy –Lisa Costello
Carmen, Jaime and Allison, We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a very kind person who was a friend to all. Everytime I would see him there would be a smile upon his face. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob and Terri Marino
Carmen,Jamie & Allison and all of Jimmy’s family. How lucky Carol and I were to have had Little Jim as both a life long friend and cousin. The word that screams to be heard is “LIFE”. I never knew anyone who enjoyed life as much as Jimmy. May his spirit, memory and his love of life give you all the strength to endure the pain of his loss and the ability to enjoy the memory of his life for always.
Today we all have great thoughts to remember, and to “Jimmy” they’re all somehow tied. There aren’t words to describe Heaven’s splendor, though many poets and authors have tried. But regarding all of the writers’ descriptions of Heaven’s infinite excellence, They’ll need to enhance their depictions, Now that “Jimmy’s” taken up residence. I will greatly miss my “second father”
Family of Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the privilege of teaching Jimmy at Weir High. He was the most polite and wonderful student. We remained friends when I was still in Weirton. He loved sports and was a great coach. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Jerry Hamill
Carmen, Jaime and Allison, No words can express the loss and sadness we feel in our hearts. Jimmy was such a wonderful person and friend who no matter when you saw him or how bad things got for him he was always upbeat and had the most amazing uplifting attitude. He always had a way to make you feel inadequate in your own thinking and made you take a second look at your own life and say I don’t have it so bad after all. Joe and I will always cherish his gift of friendship that he gave us and will forever keep him close at heart. May God give all of you his strength to carry on in the difficult days ahead and know that you have many many friends who care and will be there if you need anything. We love all of you. Love, Joe and Janice Pepe
Jimmy was my first soccer coach nearly twenty years ago and has been my friend ever since. He was always a warm and gentle man — always smiled, always had a kind word and always had a great story to share. I will miss him and always lament not spending more time with him. Carmen, Allison, Jaime and the rest of the Truax family, you have my deepest condolences. Sincerely, Chris Reinard
Carmen, Jaime and Allison My heart aches for you and your family. Jim was a special person and he will be missed by all. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Linda, Phil and Kyle Taylor
Carmen, Jaime, and Allison,… I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. It’s been at least 10 years since I’ve seen Mr. Truax, but let me tell you, he had the brightest smile that will always be remembered. You’re in my heart and my prayers.
Carmen, Jaime and Allison, You have my heartfelt sympathy. He was a good person and will be greatly missed by all that new him. He was always smiling and pleasant to everyone.
Carmen,Jaimie,Allison, We are so sorry to hear of this great loss. You and I being cousins always made Jimmy my cousin also. He always made me smile and was always a comfort to be around, even in the hardest times. This is a loss, not only for the family, but for the entire community. Always know that I will be there for you at any time. Olivia and Sarah LaMantia Camille and Phil DiMatteis
Carmen,Jaime and Allison: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. I know that words must not be able to express how you must feel at this time. However, the memories of Little Jim will live on forever. I know that he touched so many lives in such positive ways. I will always remember the times that we shared growing up together,especially the summers at the beach. We always looked forward to time spent with your family. I will always remember his smile,his laugh,and his dedication to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love,Whitney
Carmen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Jimmy. I went onto this website and saw that he had died. My prayers and thoughts are with you, old friend! I pray you are comforted by your loved ones and good memories. JoAnn Locascio Green
To the entire Truax family – I want to express my sincerest condolences. I unforutnately never got a chance to meet Mr. Truax, but from the admiration, respect, love and high regards in which Allison spoke of him, I can only imagine what a great person he was. My prayers are with you.
Carmen, Jamie, Allison and the Truax Family: We were so saddened to hear about Jimmy. He was such a good and loving person. Please know that he will be truly missed by many. You and your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Fran Sullivan and Kristen Orris
Carmen, Jaime, Allison, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I played soccer for Coach Truax for 4 wonderful years. I learned a great deal from him especially to never quit. No matter what he always had a huge smile on his face. He is loved and will truly be missed.
Neil, Jaclyn and I are so very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by you, the family and the community as well.
Carmen, Jamie and Allison, our condolences to you on the loss of Jim. I will always remember his warm smile and words of encouragement, no matter if the girls were running track, cheering or dancing at a competition.He was always supportive. He was truly the spirit of Weir High sports. You will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Jeanie & Jennifer McHenry
Carmen, Jamie & Allison, In this time of sorrow let us reflect on all the JOY and LOVE Jimmy has brought to so many people. He truly enjoyed life and we are thankful for the moments he shared with us.We will never forget Coach JIMMY! With our deepest sympathy. All our love and prayers, Bruce, Cheryl & Jason Costello
To Pam,Stush, Carmen and family. So sorry for your loss. Worked with Jimmy in the tin mill.He was a wonderful guy and friend. Please accept our sympathy. You are in our prayers as is he. Mike Dziatkowicz and family
Dear Jamie, I do not know if you remember me or not. I was the band director at Follansbee Middle School. I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father and share with you my deepest sympathy at your loss. May God always bless you. Mr. Dann Booth
Dear Carmen, Jaime, and Allison, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Truax has always been such a special person in so many ways. He will be sadly missed by many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
CARMEN, JAMIE AND ALLISON, My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time, please know that my prayers are with all of you. Linda Chilenski
Dear Carmen, Jamie & Allison, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We are visiting Heather in San Diego & are not able to be with you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob, Peggy & Heather Thomaselli
Carmen, Jaime, & Allison, Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jimmy was an amazing and inspirational person. I will always remember how supportive and kind he was to all of us on the girls track team. He will be missed. God bless, Carrie (Adam) & Scott Phipps
Carmen, Jaime, and Allison, You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. I loved Mr. Truax as my friend and coach. He was a wonderful man with a great smile and loud scream on the soccer field. I am so sorry for your loss and you have my heartfelt sympothy. Love Jaimie
Allison and family: I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Carmen, Jamie, & Allison, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As a little boy Jimmy became a (Real-Life Hero) to me after learning of his Service to our Country during Vietnam. I wish I could be there to pay my respects to a Great Man. May God comfort you and your Family.
Carmen, Jamie and Allison, My heart goes out to you during this time. Jimmy was such a wonderful friend,awesome person and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Judi, Doug and Jon
Dear Carmen, I know that this is a voice from the past. You know me better as Bonnie Mallory (Dunny’s wife) I heard about Jim and wanted you to know that you and your girls are in my thoughrs and prayers. I pray that the Lord will give you the strength you need at this time.
CARMEN, JAMIE & ALLISON OUR HEART GOES OUT TO YOU DURING THIS TIME. PLEASE KNOW THATOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYER ARE WITH YOU. LOVE DAN & BONNIE TRUAX
i worked with jimmy for years it was a pleasure knowing him i am not able to get around so i thought i’d sign this larry god bless
Dear Carmen,Jamie& Allison, We join many others in sending you our prayers and love. We have been praying for Jimmy for many years. And, now we can be comforted in knowing that He is healed and with our Lord. God bless. Ron & Dot Hughes, Judi’s parents.
Jaime, Allison, and Carmen: God saw he was getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around him and whispered, “Come with me.” With tear-filled eyes we watched him suffer and fade away. Although we loved him deeply, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best. We will always be here for you and we love you deeply.
CARMEN AND LOVELY DAUGHTERS. JIM WAS A GREAT FRIEND. WE REALLY ENJOYED BURNING THE OLD BURRHEAD AKA SONNY. BOTH BEING VIET NAM VETS WE COULD TALK ABOUT IT. I CAN TELL YOU ALL JIMMY LOVE WAS ALWAYS YOU ALL AND I’M SURE THAT HOW HE FOUGHT SO HARD. MY CODOLENCES AND IF I COULD EVER DO ANYTHING TO HELP YOU ALL. JUST LET ME KNOW. WILL KEEP JIMMY IN MY MEMORIES. REGARDS; LARRY.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carmine,daughters,and family, My deepest sympathy goes to all. I tried to get in to see you at the funeral home, but the line was so long, I had to go to work, so I just signed in. Just goes to show you, how much Jim was liked and appreciated. He gave us GOOD memories of him. Our best to all! Liz and Tom Beecroft
I am so sorry about your loss…Jim was a wonderful person..He’ll always be remembered with a smile on his face…
Carmen, Jaime, Allison and family, We were so saddened to hear of your loss, not to mention the entire community’s loss of a great and compassionate man. His life was a true example of grace, and he will be greatly missed by many. We’re so sorry to have missed the visitations and service as we were out of town, but our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
We are so saddened by Jim’s death. Unfortunately, we did not learn about it until after the funeral. What a shame for such a wonderful person to have died so young.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Coach Truax was truly a wonderful coach and always made every player on our team feel that she was the very best. He will truly be missed.